IST 323 sec.201– Assessment II: Aquatic Ecology 4 hrs
CRN 3394 Spring 2014
Lecture 11:00 am – 12:15 pm TR
Laboratory 4 pm to 5:50
room: ML 122
room: ML G31
Instructor:
Thomas G. Jones
Office: Morrow G 115 E-Mail: Jonest@Marshall.edu Cell phone: 389-5832
Required Text:
Stream Ecology: Structure and function of running waters. J. David Allan 1995
ISBN 0 412 35530 2 (paperback) (reprinted 2004)
~$70
Pocketguide to Eastern Streams. T. Travis and Shanda Brown. 2011.
ISBN 978-0-8117-064-7
~$10
Course Description:
Use of scientific procedures and current technology to characterize and quantify
sensitive elements of aquatic ecosystems and to assess human impact on the system.
Course Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment Measures:
Course Student Learning Outcome
Students will utilize GIS and other technologies to
map, assess, and interpret flowing freshwaters
Students will develop the base knowledge of both
abiotic and biotic factors important in stream
function
How Practiced in this
Class
Class lecture (CL),
Hands on examples
and discussion (HOED)
CL, HOED
How Assessed in
this Course
Class projects &
presentation
CL, HOED
Class projects,
presentation,
quizzes & exams
CL, HOED
Class projects,
presentation,
quizzes & exams
CL, HOED
Class projects,
presentation,
Students will be able to indentify algae, benthic
invertebrates, and fishes at a basic level
Students will be able to measure abiotic
parameters using current technologies and
techniques
Students will learn the accepted techniques for
collecting algae, bacteria, benthic invertebrates,
Class projects,
presentation,
quizzes & exams
and fishes from a wide variety of stream types.
Students will utilize basic statistical techniques to
collect, analyze, and present data
Students using current media methods, will
present basic information to an audience
quizzes & exams
CL, HOED
Class projects &
presentation
CL, HOED
Class projects &
presentation
Laboratory topics include
Using GPS and GIS to map stream habitats
Identification of algae, benthic invertebrates and fishes
Water quality testing using newest technologies
Electrofishing using backpack shocker, barge shocker, and boat shocking
Sampling Coliform bacteria using Coliert system
Collecting fishes using seines, gill nets, larval light traps and hoop traps
Sampling benthic invertebrates using a wide variety of gear
Class Attendance: In this course the instructor will require active participation of each
student during each class meeting. Class participation points and homework will only be
accepted late, when accompanied with appropriate documentation. By missing class
you will not be able to participate in class discussions and the class will not benefit from
your ideas and comments. If you are absent, you must contact the professor as soon as
possible.
Students with Disabilities: Marshall University is committed to equal opportunity in
education for all students, including those with physical, learning and psychological
disabilities. University policy states that it is the responsibility of students with
disabilities to contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) in Prichard Hall 117,
phone 304 696-2271 to provide documentation of their disability. Following this, the
DSS Coordinator will send a letter to each of the student’s instructors outlining the
academic accommodation he/she will need to ensure equality in classroom experiences,
outside assignment, testing and grading. The instructor and student will meet to discuss
how the accommodation(s) requested will be provided. For more information, please
visit http://www.marshall.edu/disabled or contact Disabled Student Services Office at
Prichard Hall 11, phone 304-696-2271.”
The reason for this request is so that students with disabilities understand both their
rights and responsibilities regarding requesting accommodations.
Policy on Academic Dishonesty: I take cheating very seriously. I will follow the student
handbook on definitions and actions precisely.
Other Policies:
By enrolling in this course, you agree to the University Policies listed below. Please read
the full text of each policy be going to www.marshall.edu/academic-affairs and clicking
on “Marshall University Policies.” Or, you can access the policies directly by going to
http://www.marshall.edu/academic-affairs/?page_id=802
Academic Dishonesty/ Excused Absence Policy for Undergraduates/ Computing Services
Acceptable Use/ Inclement Weather/ Dead Week/ Students with Disabilities/ Academic
Forgiveness/ Academic Probation and Suspension/ Academic Rights and Responsibilities
of Students/ Affirmative Action/ Sexual Harassment
“Wednesday, April 3 is Assessment Day. The hours of 8:00 – 4:00 are set aside for
university assessment activities. All seniors graduating in May, summer, or December of
2013 should be present from 10:00 – 11:30 to complete a senior assessment. A free
lunch on the MSC Plaza will follow immediately afterward. Students other than
graduating seniors should check with their departments for Assessment Day schedules.”
Requirements:
Assignments
Class Participation
Identification tests
Group Presentation
Reading Quizzes
Knowledge Celebration 1
Knowledge Celebration 2
Total:
Possible Points
200 pts
300 pts
200 pts
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
1000 pts
Assignment Details:
1) Points for class participation come from a series of small tasks assigned during class
time. These brief projects will be submitted via email.
2) Three identification tests covering algae, benthic invertebrates, and fishes.
3) Students will form groups of 3 to present a 20 minute multimedia presentation for
the class based on their field project. Topics will be verified with the professor. No
repeat topics. “First Come…First Serve” on topics so turn them in early! Each student
must speak for a minimum of 5 minutes.
5) Most classes will begin with a simple 10 point quiz on the reading materials assigned.
The goals of these quizzes are to inform students on their current retention of assigned
readings and to introduce topics for discussion.
6) Two knowledge celebrations “written exams” will be given. The first exam will be
given at midterm and the second as a final.
Grading Scale:
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
Office Hours
Tuesday 8:00 am to 9:15 am and 2:30 to 3:30 pm; Wednesday 1 pm to 5 pm if scheduled
ahead of time; Thursday 2 pm to 5 pm
Schedule
Subject
Readings
Introduction
Syllabus
Stream Structure
Chapter 1 Channels and Flow
Stream Structure
Chapter 2 Stream water Chemistry
Stream Structure
Chapter 3 Physical factors of importance to the
biota
Feeding groups
Chapter 4 Autotrophs
Algae identification test during lab
Modification of
rivers
Chapter 14 Modification of running water by
humankind
Feeding groups
Chapter 5 Heterotrophic energy sources
Topics: Week
Week 1 Jan 14
week 2 Jan 21
week 3 Jan 28
week 4 Feb 4
week 5 Feb 11
week 6 Feb 18
week 7 Feb 25
week 8 Mar 4
Midterm
Chapter 6 Trophic relationships
Chapters 1 – 5 &
14
Work on projects Chapter 7 Predation and its consequences
as small group,
predation
week 9 Mar 11
No class this
week
Spring Break
Species
interaction
Chapter 8 Herbivory
week 10 Mar 18
week 11 Mar 25
Species
interaction
Chapter 9 Competitive interactions
Benthic Invertebrates identification test during lab
Drift
Chapter 10 Drift
Survey of stream
types
Chapter 11 Lotic communities
Energy
Chapters 12 Organic matter in lotic ecosystems
Energy
Chapter 13 Nutrient dynamics
Fish identification test during lab
Final week
Chapters 6-13
Final exam May 8th 10:15 – 12:15
week 12 April 1
week 13 April 8
week 14 April 15
week 15 April 22
Week 16 April 28
Week 17 May 6